New 'Kids Count' Survey Shows Improvements And Challenges

The annual Kids Count survey finds child poverty rates rising during 25 years of data-gathering while fewer teens are giving birth or dying.

The report released Tuesday by the Annie E. Casey Foundation says Michigan ranks 32nd in overall child well-being nationally, down one slot since last year.

Michigan's lowest ranking was in education, where children have struggled in math, reading and graduating on time. But since 1990, the state has seen significant improvements with its children attending preschool and having a parent or guardian with a diploma.

Michigan League for Public Policy says in a statement that "good public policy" has made a difference in some areas. But it's "not acceptable" that Michigan ranks in the bottom half of the nation and more needs to be done.